April 4, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) was hit hard in his minor-league rehab start on Friday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, allowing five earned runs on four hits (one home run) while walking two and striking out only one in three innings pitched. Wheeler looked much better in his first rehab start last Saturday, in which he struck out three in three scoreless innings. The 35-year-old veteran threw 26 of his 49 pitches for strikes on Friday night, with his fastball averaging 92.7 mph. It wasn't the best Wheeler has looked, but the main takeaway for the Phillies and fantasy managers is that Wheeler didn't have a setback. He will likely need another rehab start, but he remains on track to make his 2026 season debut in April. The three-time All-Star had surgery last year for thoracic outlet syndrome, but he has progressed nicely in his rehab this spring and should be stashed in all fantasy formats. There's more risk than ever, but Wheeler could be a difference-maker as a potential fantasy ace if he can return to his pre-injury levels.
--Keith HernandezSource: milb.com
April 4, 2026
Detroit Tigers infielder
Colt Keith is back in the starting lineup on Saturday, starting at third base and batting leadoff against the St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander
Dustin May, according to MLB.com. Keith was given a rest day on Friday against St. Louis, but he'll be back in the leadoff spot for Detroit for the third time in the last four games. The 24-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2020 has been setting the table nicely for the Tigers early on in 2026, going 8-for-22 (.364) with four doubles, two RBI, four runs scored, two walks, and six strikeouts. With Keith back in the lineup, rookie infielder
Kevin McGonigle will slide from leadoff to the two-hole on Saturday. Keith's fantasy stock is up after the strong start, especially with outfielder
Kerry Carpenter off to a slow start at the plate, making it unlikely that Carpenter takes the leadoff spot from Keith anytime soon. Keith has reached base safely in all six of his games so far this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 4, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop
Masyn Winn (hip) is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game on the road in Detroit against the Tigers, according to MLB.com. Winn was forced from Friday's game against the Tigers early due to left-hip tightness that he said originated from when he was taking batting practice earlier this week. It doesn't appear to be a very serious injury for the 24-year-old, though, so it's possible that Winn could return to the starting lineup for the Red Birds for Sunday's series finale. With Winn out on Saturday,
Thomas Saggese will start at the 6 and will hit sixth against Tigers right-hander
Jack Flaherty. Saggese has never faced Flaherty in his young MLB career. Winn's hip injury will make it more difficult for the shortstop to get out of his early-season, small-sample-size slump, as he's started the 2026 season by going 5-for-28 (.179) with two doubles, an RBI, a steal, two walks, and five strikeouts in seven games played. Check back on Sunday to see if Winn is feeling good enough to return to action.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 4, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly (back) is getting much closer to being activated from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut in the majors. Kelly looked great in his minor-league rehab start on Friday with Triple-A Reno, tossing five scoreless innings while giving up two hits, walking two, and striking out two batters. The 37-year-old veteran threw 40 of his 72 pitches for strikes in his first rehab outing after landing on the IL to begin the regular season due to a back injury that he picked up during spring training. It's unclear if the D-backs will want him to make another start in the minors, but if he does, it will likely be his last before rejoining the team's starting rotation. Kelly is no spring chicken anymore, but when healthy, he can eat innings for the Snakes and fantasy managers. However, the upside is limited in fantasy with a below-average career strikeout rate of 22%.
--Keith HernandezSource: milb.com
April 4, 2026
Right-hander
Jedixson Paez has cleared waivers and has been returned to the Boston Red Sox, according to the Chicago White Sox, reports Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Paez was a Rule 5 selection by the White Sox, but the experiment ended quickly after Paez allowed six earned runs on four hits (two home runs) while walking three and striking out none in three relief innings to begin his big-league career. The 22-year-old had never pitched above High-A in the minors before debuting with the White Sox early this year, so he will definitely benefit from some more seasoning on the farm back in the Red Sox's organization. Paez looked good in just 19 1/3 innings with High-A Greenville in 2025 while dealing with a calf injury, posting a 2.79 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 23:3 K:BB. There's still hope for Paez long-term, as he has displayed a nice combination of strikeout upside and control. He's just probably not quite ready to retire hitters consistently at the major-league level.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
April 4, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin didn't do anything dramatic in his major-league debut on Friday in the 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles, but he still helped fantasy managers who started him in his first game. Griffin went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double, RBI, run scored, strikeout, and a walk while hitting seventh in Pittsburgh's batting order. His double and RBI came in his first big-league plate appearance. The 19-year-old phenom didn't make the Opening Day roster out of spring training, but the Pirates didn't wait long to bring the talented youngster up to the big leagues. Griffin is mature beyond his years, both physically and skills-wise, making him a potential once-in-a-generation-type player for the Bucs and for fantasy managers. He should play regularly from here on out and should be rostered in all fantasy leagues as a potential game-changer in all categories. Griffin should move up the Pirates' batting order eventually.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 4, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
Marquise Brown doesn't currently occupy a fantasy-relevant role, but he could get onto the fantasy radar if teammate
A.J. Brown is traded this offseason. Marquise Brown inked a one-year deal with the Eagles after ranking as the WR43 with 49 catches, 587 yards, and five touchdowns last year. He's the No. 3 receiver in Philadelphia behind
DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, but he'd jump to No. 2 on the depth chart -- and become a WR3/flex candidate -- if the latter is dealt before Week 1. The 28-year-old is no stranger to playing for competitive teams, spending time with the Ravens, Cardinals, and Chiefs. If he does take on a larger role, he could benefit from a new-look Eagles system that is expected to throw the ball more efficiently under offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) made a minor-league rehab start on Friday with Single-A Dunedin and allowed an earned run on a solo home run while walking one and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings of work. This was Yesavage's first start in a game this spring after he was held back in spring training and then placed on the 15-day injured list before the start of the 2026 season due to a right-shoulder impingement. The 22-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, but it gives the Blue Jays another reason to handle him with utmost caution early on in his first full big-league season. Yesavage made it up to the big leagues in a hurry last year after he was taken 20th overall out of East Carolina in 2024. Yesavage showed good velocity on Friday while throwing 44 pitches, and he should make his season debut well before both
Jose Berrios (elbow) and
Shane Bieber (elbow). Despite the high-end upside Yesavage brings for fantasy managers, he may not reach his true ceiling until later this year as the team tries to manage his innings early in his MLB career.
--Keith HernandezSource: milb.com
April 4, 2026
New York Giants wide receiver
Darnell Mooney will compete for an opportunity to be
Jaxson Dart's No. 2 target behind
Malik Nabers. There are a lot of players in the mix for bigger pass-catching roles, and Mooney will have a chance to compete for a path to significant volume if he can stay healthy and productive throughout training camp. Mooney was seen as a potential breakout candidate prior to the 2025 season, but he ultimately fell quite short with just 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the WR79 in PPR leagues. This offseason, he took his talents to New York, where his biggest competition will be
Calvin Austin III,
Darius Slayton,
Theo Johnson, and
Isaiah Likely. Dart is arguably more capable of supporting multiple fantasy-relevant receivers than Mooney's last quarterback,
Michael Penix Jr., so that's an encouraging sign for 2026. It's too early and too bold to say that he'll be a consistent WR3/flex in 2026, but he certainly has the upside. He had 996 yards just two years ago, and he's an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues this offseason after a down season.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays placed catcher
Alejandro Kirk (thumb) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a left-thumb fracture and recalled catcher
Brandon Valenzuela from the Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Kirk suffered the injury in the 10th inning of Friday's game when he took a foul tip off his thumb while behind the plate on defense. It's unclear exactly how long the 27-year-old backstop will be out, but fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised at all if it's an extended absence well beyond 10 days. In the meantime, the Blue Jays will use
Tyler Heineman as their primary backstop, with Valenzuela and
Reese McGuire providing insurance at the position. Kirk is not only hurt early in 2026, but he was struggling at the plate in a small sample size of five games, going 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer, two RBI, two walks, and two strikeouts in his 22 plate appearances to begin his seventh year in the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
April 4, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted USC wide receiver prospect
Makai Lemon for a top-30 visit on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Each team is allowed to host 30 players for private visits, and the Chiefs used one of theirs on a top receiver prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs hold the No. 9 selection in the draft, so there's a strong chance that Lemon will be available when they're on the clock. He's coming off a terrific season in which he caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He'd be a good fit for the Chiefs, too, since Kansas City is looking for consistency at the wide receiver position that it hasn't had since
Tyreek Hill was on the team.
Rashee Rice continues to find himself in the middle of legal battles, and
Xavier Worthy hasn't quite lived up to the WR1 hype. The Chiefs haven't picked this high since 2013, when they selected Eric Fisher first overall, and they've never taken a receiver with a top-10 pick. Still, desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Chiefs could look to make a major splash on offense after missing the playoffs last year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
April 4, 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Christian Kirk will embark on the next chapter of his career in 2026. After spending time with the Cardinals, Jaguars, and Texans, Kirk is now headed to the 49ers on a one-year deal. He's currently projected as the No. 3 receiver behind
Mike Evans and
Ricky Pearsall after the team watched
Jauan Jennings and
Kendrick Bourne depart in free agency. Kirk has produced a modest 55 catches, 618 yards, and two touchdowns across 21 games over the last two seasons. However, he showed that he's still capable of contributing at a high level with 144 yards in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. Landing in San Francisco is a great fit for Kirk. In the No. 3 role last year, Bourne had 37 catches and 551 yards (but just seven catches and 91 yards in games where both Pearsall and Jennings were healthy). Kirk might not have standalone value as the No. 3 receiver, but both Evans and Pearsall have significant injury histories; they combined to miss 17 games just last season. Therefore, we wouldn't be surprised to see Kirk jump to No. 2 on the depth chart at various points next season, propelling him to the WR3/flex tier.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs running back
Brashard Smith remains in the No. 3 spot on the depth chart as the 2026 offseason moves along. With Isaiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt departing in free agency, it seemed like there would be an opportunity for Smith to step into a much larger role this offseason. However, the Chiefs had other plans, signing
Kenneth Walker III to be their every-down back and
Emari Demercado to occupy the backup role. There's a slim chance that Smith could pass Demercado on the depth chart, but the latter has a much stronger track record with 819 rushing yards and 324 receiving yards (relative to Smith's 151 rushing yards and 172 receiving yards as a rookie last season). The most likely path to fantasy relevance for Smith would probably be an injury to Walker. If Walker misses time, Demercado would presumably lead the backfield, but not in an every-down role. There would be plenty of opportunities for Smith to get involved, especially in the passing game. Smith could have been an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues if he jumped to No. 2 on the depth chart this offseason, but since he's still nestled into the No. 3 role (and could face additional competition via the NFL Draft), he's merely a hold for now.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback
Jalen Hurts are both cognizant of the fact that he's entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Hurts still has three years left on the extension he signed back in 2023, but only one more year is guaranteed. As McLane notes, it's common for teams and players in this situation to restructure the deal to add more years and guaranteed money, in exchange for lower annual value. However, the Eagles and Hurts have no plans to change his deal, and they'll let him enter 2026 on his current contract. That puts added pressure on him for 2026, since he has no guaranteed money beyond this season. With that being said, the Eagles would still take on a significant cap penalty if they were to take action (trade or release Hurts) next offseason. All the chatter about Hurts' future stems from his rushing production taking a step back in 2025. He was still productive, but his rushing yards and touchdowns dropped to the lowest mark since his rookie campaign in 2021. He was the QB8 in fantasy football, which tied for his worst finish since 2022. A little bit of pressure -- plus a new offensive system under
Sean Mannion -- could allow Hurts to bounce back as a top-five fantasy quarterback next year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff McLane
April 4, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter went 3-for-4 with a pair of singles and a two-run homer during Friday's win over the Chicago Cubs. He finished the game with three RBI, bringing his season total to eight. DeLauter has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .346/.370/.923 with a whopping five home runs and 266 wRC+. If there's been any hole in his game, it's plate discipline, as he owns a 3.7% walk rate and 25.9% strikeout rate so far. Still, those numbers are somewhat forgivable when you have a player like DeLauter, who is averaging a home run every 5.2 at-bats and is tied for the league lead in dingers. At this point, the 24-year-old rookie has cemented himself in must-start territory for fantasy baseball. As long as he continues to mash the baseball, he should find his way into your fantasy lineups.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 4, 2026
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher
Jose Butto (right arm fatigue) was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm after exiting Wednesday's game with discomfort, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. He has been placed on the 15-day injured list, and he underwent a procedure to remove the blood clot on Friday. The 28-year-old right-hander has allowed five earned runs over two innings (three appearances) this season. He has surrendered two homers and four walks while striking out five batters. It's been an uncharacteristically poor start to the year for Butto, who was projected to be a setup candidate in the Giants' bullpen after posting a 3.70 FIP last season. He'll be eligible to return from the injured list as early as April 17.
--Andersen PickardSource: Alex Pavlovic
April 4, 2026
Seattle Mariners third baseman
Brendan Donovan (leg) exited after landing awkwardly while trying to beat out a throw at first base in the seventh inning of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Dan Wilson told Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times that Donovan had discomfort "somewhere in his leg" and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. It's too early to tell whether the third baseman will be in the starting lineup for Saturday evening's contest against the Halos, but it sounds like there's at least a chance he needs some time off. That would be unfortunate news for the Mariners and Donovan, who is slashing .370/.485/.667 with two home runs, four RBI, a 12.1% walk rate, and 18.2% strikeout rate, and 237 wRC+ through eight games. If he's forced to miss any time,
Leo Rivas could get into the lineup on a more consistent basis.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ryan Divish
April 4, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher
Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) began his throwing program on Friday, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Now that Stone has resumed throwing, he essentially has a full spring training ramp-up ahead of him. The 27-year-old is working his way back from right shoulder surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. He last pitched in 2024, when he made 25 starts with a 3.97 xERA, 7.44 K/9, and 2.37 BB/9. Stone can be a fantasy option when healthy, but for now, he needs to ramp up and prove that he deserves a spot in the Dodgers' extremely crowded rotation. Given that Stone is on the 60-day injured list, he won't be eligible to return until May 21, at the earliest.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
April 4, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the calf injury he suffered on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, according to John Harper of SNY. Manager
Carlos Mendoza admitted that he was "concerned" about the 27-year-old's injury but would wait for the MRI results before divulging further. Soto has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .355/.412/.516 with one home run, five RBI, an 8.8% walk rate, a 17.6% strikeout rate, and 162 wRC+. He has been hitting out of the No. 2 spot, but if the injury is as serious as Mendoza feared, he could be sidelined for at least Saturday's contest against the Giants. If so, we could see more playing time for
Carson Benge and
Tyrone Taylor.
--Andersen PickardSource: John Harper
April 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 34 minutes during Friday's 115-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former MVP shot just 6-of-17 from the field but still delivered strong category production with his all-around stat line. Embiid remains an elite fantasy anchor whenever active thanks to his scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact, though availability remains the main concern for fantasy managers.
Tyrese Maxey,
Paul George (knee), and
VJ Edgecombe should continue handling larger offensive roles when Embiid sits or is limited.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
CJ McCollum totaled 25 points, seven assists, and four three-pointers in 25 minutes during Friday's 141-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and provided efficient scoring and playmaking. Over his last five games, McCollum has averaged 18.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers, and 1.0 steals in 30.6 minutes. He remains a steady fantasy option for points and assists, while
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and
Jalen Johnson carry more of the offensive load.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson started in place of
Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) and delivered 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and one block in 23 minutes during Friday's 136-96 win over the Chicago Bulls. He shot a perfect 7-of-7 from the field while providing his usual defensive presence. Robinson remains a strong category league option when starting, thanks to his rebounding, field-goal percentage, and defensive stats. If Towns misses additional time, Robinson should remain a strong streaming candidate, while
Ariel Hukporti could continue to handle backup center minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic center
Wendell Carter Jr. delivered 28 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 36 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Carter shot 8-of-16 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line while setting a new season high in scoring. He has now scored in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games and continues to provide efficient scoring around the basket. Carter remains a solid category league center thanks to his steady role alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Desmond Bane.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jason Beede
April 4, 2026
Orlando Magic guard/forward
Desmond Bane finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 33 minutes during Friday's 138-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Bane shot 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three while adding eight free throws. He has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last five games and is averaging 20.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers during that span. Bane remains a strong fantasy starter in all formats, providing steady scoring and across-the-board production alongside
Paolo Banchero and
Franz Wagner.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg erupted for a career-high 51 points in Friday's 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic, adding six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes. The rookie became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points. Flagg has averaged 26.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.4 steals over his last five games and continues to carry Dallas offensively. He's an automatic start in all fantasy formats and continues to provide elite multi-category production during his recent surge.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA
April 4, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is available for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards and should continue to fill a steady two-way role. Wiggins has averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 2.6 three-pointers over his last five games while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the line. Wiggins remains useful in category leagues, particularly for defensive stats and strong percentages in standard formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Marcus Sasser (hip) is considered probable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 25-year-old is nursing a right hip strain but will likely be available to make his sixth consecutive appearance. With
Cade Cunningham (lung) on the shelf, Sasser has had a chance to carve out a larger role. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, as Sasser has been limited to 5.2 points and 2.7 assists in 12.6 minutes per game since Cunningham departed the lineup.
Daniss Jenkins will remain the main beneficiary of Cunningham's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Justin Champagnie (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. He was added to the injury report late with a right knee contusion. Champagnie has had a few strong outings recently, including a 17-point, seven-rebound effort in Wednesday's loss to Philadelphia. If Champagnie is unavailable against the Heat,
Jamir Watkins and
Leaky Black will get a chance to contribute more. However, neither is very reliable in fantasy.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (knee) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Miami Heat. The 23-year-old has been a starter in each of the last three games, but he might have to make way now in the lineup due to a right knee contusion.
Alexandre Sarr (toe) is also questionable, so
Julian Reese may get a new opportunity to impress. The Maryland product has averaged 13.8 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last five outings. Due to his two-way status, the Wizards have used Reese in only one of the last four games. However, starting Saturday, Reese is eligible to suit up for all of Washington's remaining games this season, so he might have a regular role for the rest of the way.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 4, 2026
Washington Wizards point guard
Trae Young (back, quadriceps) will miss a 10th straight game on Saturday against the Miami Heat. Young made five appearances with his new squad before sustaining a right quadriceps contusion in mid-March. He is also dealing with lower back pain. With only a week left in the regular season, it appears likely that Young's return won't happen until the 2026-27 campaign.
Bub Carrington and
Sharife Cooper will continue to split the point guard duties in Saturday's game. Carrington holds the starting job and has enjoyed a good nine-game stretch, with averages of 14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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